Mexico: Just below the level of war?

Posted By Thomas E. Ricks Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 5:49 PM Share

The Mexican navy, operating far inland, whacked a major drug lord. (Apparently the navy has good intelligence and is less corrupt than other security forces.) I think the situation in Mexico is shaping up as something less than a war but more than a criminal action. What to call it? Given Mexico's location, this should be of more than academic interest to the United States government and its military. My CNAS colleague and mentor Bob Killebrew is doing a study on the merger of crime and terrorism in Mexico and other western hemisphere nations.

Jesus Alcazar/AFP/Getty Images

EXPLORE:LATIN AMERICA, DRUGS & CRIME

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OCEOLA

7:34 PM ET

December 17, 2009

Not another study on the

Not another study on the merger of crime and terrorism fueled by the narco and arms trade south of the border? It isn't necessary, other than getting one's name on another "seminal" document. Any risk management firm, involved with hostage negotiation and executive security can tell you what's going on.

I'm sorry to be negative my first day out, but hearing about another study sets me off.

HAIRYSTEVE20

12:02 AM ET

December 18, 2009

Discretionary

Of course the US government's liking for discretionary wars has left it unable to deal with a real threat if it arises.

A complete collapse of the Mexican state is unlikely but possible. Several million refugees streaming over the border into Texas would be a disaster but I'm sure the US army could deal with it, unless they happen to be chasing villagers around some Godforsaken valley in the middle of nowhere in Asia.